AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The word prion, coined in 1982 by Stanley B. Prusiner, is derived from protein and infection, hence prion, and is short for “proteinaceous infectious particle", in reference to its ability to self-propagate and transmit its conformation to other proteins.

Detailed explanation-2: -The term “prions” refers to abnormal, pathogenic agents that are transmissible and are able to induce abnormal folding of specific normal cellular proteins called prion proteins that are found most abundantly in the brain.

Detailed explanation-3: -Noun (1) New Latin, from Greek priōn saw, from priein to saw; from its sawlike bill. Noun (2)

Detailed explanation-4: -Prusiner and colleagues identified the “proteinaceous infectious particle, ” a name that was shortened to “prion” (pronounced “pree-on”). Prions can enter the brain through infection, or they can arise from mutations in the gene that encodes the protein.

Detailed explanation-5: -So, the correct answer is ‘Protein only’.